Revelations Of The Mind

A few hours later Sakura found herself alone, her gathered friends leaving earlier to visit with Naruto or go about some errand they had to do.

Still, Sakura felt warmed. All of her acquaintances from the past years had been very kind and supportive, their true colors showing through brightly. Even Ino reverted into the girl she remembered from childhood, even if it left her with a few bruised ribs.

Sakura smiled to herself, starring at the now darkening sky indicating sleep was not to far off from being a possibility.

A knock on her door brought her out of the calmness of her day dream, bringing her into the reality that was the real world.

“Come in” said Sakura, her voice belying her annoyance.

Sakura watched the doorway as it opened, starring at a smiling Shizune, apparently here for a visit, as she was carrying flowers.

“Hello Sakura-san, how are you feeling.” Said Shizune moving to the side of Sakura’s bed, putting them in the vase.

Sakura smiled at her, gazing at the mixture of flowers; carnations and tulips holding sway around a single yellow rose.

“I’m fine Shizune-sama.” Said Sakura “How are you?”

Shizune smiled, coming to Sakura’s bed side and placing her palm on Sakura’s forehead.

“No fever…” said Shizune “It looks like the kidney is working just about right.”

“Of course Shizune-sama, Tsunade did it herself after all.” Said Sakura

“Sakura, I’d appreciate it if you’d stop calling me that, we are of the same rank now, your not a chunnin anymore.” Said Shizune, smiling and sitting down.

“I suppose your right, though it’s more of a habit now…Shizune.” Said Sakura, hesitating slightly over her name.

“Hmm, I see…” said Shizune “So, I here Naruto came to visit you today.”

“Yes, he kind of stumbled in, though his hair was rather wet…kind of looked like a wet sloth…” said Sakura, Shizune and Sakura giggled.

“I’m afraid that’s my fault, I sort of lost myself while giving him a bath and I ran out…I was worried about it but it seems you’re both in good health.” Said Shizune

“Shizune-sama!!” scolded Sakura, albeit jokingly “Still, I can’t blame you for your actions this time.”

Shizune looked up, confused and slightly befuddled at the statement. “Wait, what do you mean?”

“I can’t blame you for your actions towards Naruto this time, after all you probably haven’t been near your son in such a way in some time.” Said Sakura, a shy smile on her face, darkness shrouding her eyes.

The color drained from Shizune’s face, questions running past her face in quick spurts. How did she know? Did Tsunade tell her? Would she do such a thing?

Her questions were cut short, however, by the continuation of Sakura’s commentary.

“Don’t worry Shizune-sama, Tsunade didn’t betray your secret, you of all people should know she never would.” Said Sakura. “Fact is Kyuubi told me.”

Shizune looked in shock, noticing the glyphs running down her left arm. Her fits clenched, but her anger could not be directed at Sakura, it was not her fault that she had Kyuubi now. No, not her fault, it was the Fourth’s.

“I care about Naruto, Shizune, very much…” said Sakura, blushing slightly appearing. “And though I do not know the reasons for you not being able to be his mother, however, I hope you will eventually tell him and take your rightful place…he deserves to have a family.”

Shizune starred at the floor, shame and self loathing the forbearer of loss. She knew Sakura was right, but she also knew she was afraid, not to mention the fact that if it became public knowledge that he was her and the fourth’s son his chances of becoming Hokage became nil. No, she had to wait.

“I…I can’t be his family yet…as much as I hate that fact I just can’t…” sobbed Shizune

Sakura frowned slightly, but caring overcame sadness quite quickly.

“It doesn’t matter…” said Sakura, causing Shizune’s head to look up seeing Sakura running her fingers over the petals of the flowers she had brought. “You don’t have to declare that you’re his mother to be a true mother to him.”
Sakura smiled at Shizune who looked straight at her, the realization of the truth in her words hitting her hard.

Shizune made a short bow in thanks to Sakura, who continued to smile even as she left the room.

‘I hope that makes him happier…’ smiled Sakura, thinking to herself while closing her thoughts ‘I know that’s my goal now.

*Naruto’s Room*

A knock came through Naruto’s door loud and clear with conviction very present.

The sound roused Naruto from his dozing, not quite asleep though not quite awake, as he rubbed his eyes he yawned.
‘Who in the hell would be bothering me this late?’ Naruto groaned inwardly, sure he heard a giggle somewhere in his head.

“Yes, who is it?” crocked Naruto

“Shizune, may I come in?” asked Shizune through the door, bringing Naruto to full alertness.

“Yes, of course, Shizune-sama.” Stammered Naruto, moving around on his bed.

Shizune walked into the room, closing the door behind her only to meet a most peculiar site, that of Naruto bowing on his bed.

“Forgive me, Shizune-sama, I do not know what I did to make you run away but I swear I will do all I can to make it up to you.” Said Naruto quickly and sincerely.

Shizune smiled at the bowing blonde man. Walking quickly to the boy’s side, Shizune placed a hand on his shoulder. Naruto looked up at her, expecting to see a face of acceptance, but was meet with on instead of concern. But before he could concern himself further however, he was pulled quickly into Shizune’s arms.

Shizune pulled Naruto into her arms strongly, holding him to her chest and began stroking his hair.

“You’ve done nothing wrong…I just lost myself.” Said Shizune, stroking Naruto’s hair, playing with the strands between her fingers.

“But…” came words from the blonde boy, his voice sounding weaker then usual.

“No buts… you’ve done nothing wrong Naruto, you’ve done only good recently, and before was just a cry for attention.”

*Sakura’s Room*

Sakura felt him, Naruto was sad…very sad. She wanted to comfort him, to cradle him and keep him happy. The pull was great, and truthfully she almost acted on it, but she knew now was not her time, it was Shizune’s.

Sakura sighed and looked out the window; it was going to be a long night.

*Back in Naruto’s Room*

Minutes had passed, Shizune still held his head, and she knew her chest was wet, and really only getting wetter. But she was content, and he was spilling himself and letting his emotions take him over for once as opposed to keeping them hidden…well, the depressing ones anyway.

“You’re wrong Shizune…I done some bad things recently…”

Shizune looked down at Naruto he hadn’t moved but as she looked his arms come up and pulled her closer.

“How so Naruto?”

“I failed…I couldn’t protect her…she was almost killed and…and…I just can’t…” sobbed Naruto

Shizune knew he was talking about Sakura, who else.

“Naruto listen…” said Shizune, pulling away and raised his face. “You took a blow for her, three kunai to the back and one of your lungs was punctured, you were knocked unconscious and you couldn’t do anything more. I know you think that’s where it ends but it doesn’t. You, by luck would have it, adapted yourself to her and as such allowed her to be saved…you saved her. You saved her…and you wanted to so much that you did it while unconscious.”

“I know all this, but still I could have done more…found some way to stay awake longer…” said Naruto, continuing his rant in self loathing.

“HOW!?” snapped Shizune, shocking Naruto “How could you have possibly done more then save her…there was nothing else you could have done for her, and you couldn’t save her from the pain because she choose it. She could have left you Naruto, you gave her the opportunity, but she stayed with you and saved you in turn…she loved you enough to risk her life for you as you did her. Neither is a gift to be taken lightly.”

“But…” sobbed Naruto, being torn away from his grief was something he wasn’t expecting.

“No buts…you’re a good man Naruto…” said Shizune wiping a tear from his upturned face. “ More than that you’re a good friend to everyone, especially Sakura. Hating yourself will only hurt them…and I know you don’t want that.”
“No…” said Naruto “No, I don’t want that”

He smiled then in thought, what he was thinking she couldn’t have known but both were content with the situation. She smiled back at him and their bodies parted.

“Thank you…” said Naruto, a shy smile still lying on his features

Shizune stooped down low, a broad smile on her face as her hand made the sign for victory, causing both of them to chuckle a bit. Shizune then did something completely unexpected to Naruto. She grabbed his head tilted it down and kissed his forehead, just as a mother would her son. In fact that’s the exact image Naruto’s brain presented to him, that of a mother comforting her son.

She left with a smile, moving to the door only to be stopped by Naruto’s voice.

“Shizune-sama.” Said Naruto in the honorific.

“Yes Naruto-kun?” asked Shizune turning to face him.

“Thank you, Shizune-Sama…” said Naruto, wrapping his arms around her, her face softening in the course of the action.

“Naruto-Kun…” sighed Shizune “I just did what anyone would…”

“No, you did much more Shizune…”said Naruto blushing “I think I finally know what it’s like to have a mother now.”

Shizune’s grasp tightened on Naruto as she buried her face in his hair. She missed him, wanted him, and Naruto represented everything she had lost. She was glad that she was near him again, though at the moment controlling her emotions was proving to be a problem. God, she wanted to cry.

Shizune let go, Naruto following suite3. Moving away and backing herself through the door.

“Thank you, Naruto-Kun, you don’t know how much that means to me…” said Shizune holding back gasps of tears, and promptly left as not to break down in front of him again.

Naruto moved back to his bed, a grin present on his face.

*Sakura’s Room*

She had smiled, and it wasn’t because she was happy, but because he was. Her smile got bigger, this time from her own emotions, she was glad for him. Not to mention she could actually stand to go to sleep now. It was going to be easy now, especially with this overwhelming feeling from Naruto that everything was going to be alright.

*Time Passed*

It was sunny, and life was flowing gracefully into her window as she brushed her hair, letting the fresh air flow through the pink strands of her hair.

She was happy, very happy even. Three days had gone by without incident, save the occasional visit from her friends…well, her friends and Naruto. Those visits in particular she looked forward too. He was always such a lift from the daily grind that a hospital presents and, surprise of surprises, he proved to be very good at holding and intelligent conversation. When she had asked him about the seemingly sudden change he had just grunted saying, “There was no reason to show off about it…and in either case I got more attention being the class clown.”

Sakura chuckled at the memory, it had really shocked her, truthfully she wasn’t even sure how smart he was anymore since he had something to say about everything and…he had even managed to prove her wrong on a few things. Though she was pretty sure that he was still a little below her on the intelligence factor, after all she could still stump him occasionally.

The thought of the blonde haired boy brought the reality of her workings to light however. Her constant brushing and primping of her hair, trying to make herself look as good as possible with the limits obviously imposed by hospital life. But still she wanted to look as good as possible, after all Naruto was getting out today. Silently she wondered when she was so worried about how she looked in front of him, but a twinge in the back of her mind lost her train of thought.

Sakura sighed, she was glad for him though, getting out was something both of them had been looking forward too. It had been the luck of the draw for Naruto, and of course his constant complaints to Tsunade whenever she came by, that finally had got him let out early.

‘It’s too bad I can’t whine like him…’ giggled Sakura, rolling her eyes slightly

‘Trust me it’s a good thing Kit.’ Said a now familiar voice in Sakura’s head…accompanying her usual other self.

‘I was wondering when you were going to show up…how’s Naruto doing?’ asked Sakura

‘Oh he’s bounding off the walls as usual; you look great by the way.’ Said Kyuubi

‘Thanks, I just hope Naruto thinks so…but I guess you can only look so good in a hospital gown.’ Sighed Sakura

A low belching laugh sprang forth from her fox counterpart, obviously amused.

‘What!?’ scolded Sakura

‘Apparently you don’t remember he’s reaction when you hadn’t done any attempt on looking “pretty”.’ Chuckled Kyuubi

Kyuubi pushed the memory forth causing Sakura to giggle, knowing full well what to expect.

*A few days before*

“Naruto-kun…” said Sakura, causing the blonde boy to shift his eyes to her, breaking his day dreaming.

“Hai, Sakura-chan?” asked Naruto, starring at her with all of his attention, causing her to blush a deep shade of read.

“I appreciate the fact that you think I look good…but would you mind protecting your thoughts a little better…their rather, ummm…well I’d just rather keep some blood in my extremities then in my face.” Said Sakura, blushing deeper, looking straight back into Naruto’s eyes.

Naruto froze, caught as he was, and tried to stammer a response but was cut off by the glyph hand of his pink haired friend.

‘It’s alright Naruto; I didn’t say I didn’t like it…’ Sakura thought to him, blushing at his and smiling slyly.

Naruto’s dropped to the floor, the urge to dance almost overwhelming…

*Present*

‘No, I remember…you really don’t have to play matchmaker Kyuubi, trust me.’ Sakura sighed, placing her brush down on the hospital desk she had been using for a table.

‘I guess that’s the best it’s going to get for the moment…’ thought Sakura, slyly smiling to herself; after all, he would like how she looked even if she didn’t work at it. He always did.
She looked into the mirror and smiled a pink flush noticeable under her eyes. There always was one when she thought about him…he just warmed her.

*Knock Knock*

“Naruto-kun, can I come in?” asked Shizune

“I told you to stop knocking and just come in; I’m not in the habit of prancing around naked.” Said Naruto laughing as Shizune walked in, looking like a scolded child.

‘Ya know just because she has manners doesn’t mean you can make fun of her…’ said Kyuubi, quite aware of Naruto’s sense of humor.

‘Oh just shut it, she knows I’m not serious, otherwise why would she keep knocking.’ Responded Naruto

‘Like I said, she has manners.’ Retorted Kyuubi

“Naruto-kun, you have to sign these release papers and then you’ll be free to go…” said Shizune softly, almost sadly.

“Alright Shizune-sama.” Said Naruto putting on his black gloves, starring for a few seconds at the cherry blossom symbol on the palm. “Let’s get this over with!”

Shizune smiled, walking forward, paperwork in hand.

*Sakura’s Room*

Sakura sat in the Chair next to her window, sipping lemonade and enjoying the view. She was waiting, of course, for the blonde haired boy that haunted her thoughts. It wasn’t not like him to leave and not say goodbye, especially after the scolding she gave him last time.

She giggled, remembering the event and how he had grown. He had just stood there and taken her rage, and then took her into his arms…holding her and comforting her. She hugged herself at the thought; the memory was a fond one.

The popping sound went unnoticed due to her emotional predicament. However, when small paws appeared over her head accompanied by a snout, she noticed and her recognition was followed closely by an ear piercing scream.

*Naruto’s Room*

“Ya know, Shizune, I always thought missions were hard but now I know it’s nothing compared to paperwork.” Said Naruto, shaking his hand trying to regain some control over its cramping muscles. “I feel like I’ve been doing Shuriken training for a week.”

Shizune giggled, “Coming from the man who wants to be Hokage that doesn’t bode well…you know that paperwork is a lot of the job.”

Naruto’s face fell and his feet shuffled, as if nervous.

“Well, actually I had hoped I could avoid that part…” said Naruto, smirking slightly causing a chuckle to come from Shizune.

“Well, when you become Hokage you can’t avoid that as it is your responsibility.” Said Shizune, pulling on one of Naruto’s cheeks letting it snap back. “You’re responsible for the whole town as Hokage…never forget that.”

Naruto nodded, albeit sadly, but any previous train of thought was lost instantly.

A scream fell from on high into Naruto’s ears causing him to immediately perk up and his attention to be drawn to the problem area. Naruto had felt it first, not fear exactly more like being startled, however he was out the door none the less.

“Well that’s the last one Naruto…kun?” said Shizune, only to notice Naruto’s absence and a gust of wind. “Well, he probably just wanted to go see Sakura.”

Sakura’s hand was implanted in the wall when Naruto arrived, a very freaked looking fox just below the impact site of her fist. Naruto knew instantly that it was Kotesu, if for no other reason then the constant yelling of Kyuubi as he tried to keep Sakura from killing him.

Kotesu ran quickly over to Naruto, assuming him to be a safe perch. Naruto was glad for it and picked the fox up placing him on his shoulders.

“She’s cracked Kyuubi!!” snapped Kotesu, obviously flustered.

Naruto ignored him and moved towards Sakura, who was still implanted in the wall. She was shuddering slightly but he could hear soft grunts coming from her, indicating that she was talking to Kyuubi.

Naruto placed a hand on her shoulder for comforts sake and the reaction was immediate, in a flash her face was buried in his chest, violent sobbing tearing its way through her.

‘What happened fox!?’ asked Naruto, issuing a glare at Kotesu, who shrank back but remained on his shoulder.

‘Essentially, Kotesu here, decided it was a good idea to climb up onto her head while she was deep in thought…’ said Kyuubi, ‘And she has a slight fear of rats…so to put it bluntly she thought he was a huge rat and was scarred as hell.’

Naruto smiled a concerned smile mind you, and stroked Sakura’s back, eliciting a contented sigh from the sniffling Konochi.

Naruto moved her back to her bed, placing her down and made her lie back and get comfortable, while he pulled up a chair.

Sakura watched Naruto move, his forearms flexing with the slight effort involved in moving the heavy wicker chair forming lines that could only be found on the truly fit. He was definitely gorgeous…

Sakura sighed turning her face forward to be met once again with the small whiskered face of the rat…well fox…but still the small furry thing known as “Kotesu”. If not for the fact that on closer inspection she found that he was rather cute, she would have crust his skull. But, he was family…it struck her as funny that once she had calmed down she started thinking of him that way. Even the familiar pull of love for one’s family was present. It was definitely interesting, and if not for the tickling that Kotesu’s whiskers were giving her she might have pursued it further.

Sakura giggled as Kotesu continued his sniffing, stopping abruptly at the top of her forehead, he moved back and starred at her before curling up on her lap prompting Sakura to start stroking his back. Naruto, who had been watching the display with some interest, chuckled slightly, finding Sakura’s change of temperament quite humorous.

Sakura glanced over at Naruto, who was sitting in his usual position in a chair, the back facing forward, she would have scoffed if he hadn’t smiled at her, and she couldn’t help smiling back. It bothered her some what, not being able to control herself around him, however she had to admit the draw was incredible.

‘Sakura, smiled…’ Naruto thought, always dumbstruck by the pink haired girl’s beauty, and by her blush she knew this quite well.

Sakura blushed, its not that she knew what he was thinking exactly…but she could feel it. The urge to throw herself into his arms was impossibly strong. In truth, though it was a side effect of their sharing of Kyuubi, her will to resist it was growing smaller every day. He was stealing her heart, and she was letting him. There was nothing she could do but accept it, she wanted him to be hers and no others, but like all human relationships you really do have to “Date” first, but they knew each other so well it was a formality that seemed unnecessary.

However, before she was pulled deeper into thought she was startled awake by sudden movement, courtesy of Naruto, who let out something of a warning growl. It hadn’t scarred her at all, her reaction in fact was quite the opposite…she found it endearing.

Naruto now held Kotesu by the scruff of the neck and was starring daggers into the small fox, surprisingly; while Sakura understood Naruto’s feelings on an emotional and instinctual level she didn’t understand it logically. What had happened to cause him react?

“KOTESU!!!” growled Naruto “What in the HELL do you think your doing!?”

Kotesu cringed; being new to the human anatomy he must have approached something rather…well sacred.

“Well, I had to make sure she has Kyuubi…and after all Naruto, I love my big brother, and though I don’t actually know what I did, I’m sorry.” Said Kotesu, tail between his legs

“You could have asked Kotesue!!” yelled an irate Naruto, both Kyuubi and Naruto apparently agreeing on Naruto’s assessment, his voice coming out deep and feral.

Yet it was Sakura, the apparent victim of the situation who came to Kotesu’s rescue. Her hand was placed on Naruto’s forearm strongly, drawing circles with her thumb just above the joining of the elbow, calming both Naruto and Kyuubi almost instantly.

“Naruto, it’s alright, he probably didn’t know what he was doing anyway.” Said Sakura smiling, voice coming out softer then usual. Feeling his anger break out of caring and Kyuubi’s out of what she assumed was some kind of mating compassion…or maybe lust.

“Sakura-Chan…are you sure?” asked Naruto starring at her, his voice under his own control again.

“Yes…” said Sakura, her gaze meeting Naruto’s. Longing present on both of their faces. However, Sakura moved her gaze and smile, however painfully, to the only other body present in the room; Kotesu.

‘Does she know that a smile like that is a threat?’ asked Kyuubi, slightly happy with the prospect.

‘I wouldn’t put it past her…’ sighed Naruto, both enjoying the thought.

‘Little brother’s in big trouble.’ Naruto thought openly.

‘No, not yet at least…’ though Sakura back.

“Kotesu, come her.” Said Sakura holding out her arms.

Naruto placed Kotesue in her arms, knowing full well that the fox would have gone willingly if only to avoid more trouble.

The fox didn’t weigh much, maybe ten pounds. Sakura smiled at the fox yet again, pulling the fox into her arms and curling them in the process.

“Kotesue, I realize that you do not have much experience with humans…but you shouldn’t ever try to sniff a woman there.” Said Sakura gesturing, she had of course figured out what had happen over the course of Naruto’s outburst through searching his mind.

Kotesue made a small mewing sound of understanding.

“You should also not sneak up on me like that, I might actually hit you next time.” Said Sakura still smiling down at him

Kotesu managed a noise not drenched in fear to signifying once again that he understood.

“Good, so why are you here then anyway?” asked Sakura, Naruto grunting in agreement.

The fox looked at them as if they were idiots and in a puff of smoke brought forth a large scroll, which Naruto immediately recognized as his summoning contract.

“What’s the meaning of this?” asked Naruto, his voice regaining an edge, only to be gently brought down by a squeeze from Sakura.

Kotesue Starred at him, dumbly, and opened the scroll to Naruto’s signature…or at least where the signature was supposed to be.

“HUH!!” gasped Naruto, standing up quickly. “Where’s my signature?”

“Naruto-kun?” asked Sakura, surprised by his sudden outburst not to mention interested in what was going on.

“Sakura-chan, the night I stayed on the couch I signed this contract to summon the foxes…now that signatures gone…WHY!?” said Naruto hurriedly.

Sakura’s hand squeezed Naruto’s forearm yet again, only the reaction that was expected did not occur. He hadn’t calmed down and didn’t seem to be slowing.

‘Time for drastic measures’ thought Sakura, a soft smile present on her face as Naruto continued to rant.

Sakura moved up yanking on Naruto’s arm hard enough to bring his neck within reach of her, Naruto, caught of balance, fell into her. Sakura moved forward opening her mouth and pulling her lips back and…bit him. She didn’t know why she thought it would work or what had even prompted the idea but…it had worked. Naruto stopped his ranting and struggling and turned his gaze down to the pink haired beauty holding his arm. Sakura’s concerned eyes drilling into him as he saw she was at the brink of tears.

Naruto sank onto the bed, and pulled Sakura to him holding her to him.

“I’m sorry Sakura…” said Naruto, putting his hands on either side of her face and bringing her up to meet his gaze, as he placed his forehead against his.

Sakura sighed, having his attention on her without his rage flowing through her left her feeling light. Then something hit her senses, something metallic and inviting, blood.

Sakura looked down to Naruto’s neck, the spot where she had bit him, and noticed droplets of blood forming slowly over the quickly healing holes.

“It’s alright Naruto-Kun…” said Sakura breaking the contact and moving back to his neck, licking the blood from his neck and savoring what could be considered his life. After all, his life was hers and no one would take it away from her.

Kotesu watched the display, smiling inwardly to himself at the display of affection and at Kyuubi’s…or rather Sakura’s obvious hold over Naruto. Yes, it seemed that their would be pups on the way eventually, that news would certainly please Shirogitsune.

“As much as I am enjoying the show between you and your mate Naruto, I really need to get down to business and explain this to you. It’s not like I don’t have other places to be.” Said Kotesue, yawning slightly.

Naruto groaned inwardly, the last thing he wanted to do was leave the gentle workings of Sakura’s tongue. But it was her who made the decision for him, pulling away and awarding him a soft smile.

“You’d better get the paperwork done Naruto…” smiled Sakura, licking her lips absentmindedly.

Naruto shook his head from the hypnotizing sight and turned back to Kotesu, glare present on his face slightly from his lack of Sakura.

“Fine Kotesue explain this to me.” Said Naruto “But she’s not my mate…”

Sakura’s face fell slightly, but knew that the depression was all instinctual on the Kyuubi’s part, Naruto wanted to do this right and so did she. Even if at the moment she wanted to tear his clothes off.

“Could have fooled me…” said Kotesu rolling his eyes, receiving a glare from both Naruto and Sakura. “Anyway, as is obvious by the way you smell, you both hold Kyuubi now.

Naruto and Sakura nodded, agreeing with Kotesu’s assessment.

“Well, from our understanding, this happened because Sakura was injured and she needed a kidney transplant. You, Naruto, were able to supply by changing your chakra profile and matching it to hers through your blood. This, as well as the actual transplant, allowed for Kyuubi to be in both your bodies.” Said Kotesu, illustrating the facts already known by all. “Problem being that by doing so Naruto’s blood type has changed. As such his blood on the summoning contract no longer applies, so he must resign the contract, there are no changes so he just has to sign. But, you Sakura must sign also.”

“Well, I’m fine with signing again…but doesn’t Sakura have to meet with the head foxes first?” asked Naruto, looking at a very shocked Sakura.

“Well, if she was the original, yes, but as she has become one with Kyuubi by both Naruto’s and Kyuubi’s choice she has been deemed worthy already. Naruto, so you know, as you are the original holder of this summoning contract you can bring people or rather give people the ability to summon as you please, however, they have to be deemed worthy by both you and Kyuubi. Only you and she shall have the right as you are both housing a prince of the foxes.” Said Kotesu “That is not to say, however, that they must be linked to Kyuubi as Sakura is…this was just kind of a loop hole you slipped through that forces our hand. We had to tell you because we have to have both of you sign it.”

“What if I refuse…?” asked Sakura

“You won’t.” said Kotesu, starring at her, expression blank.

Naruto let out a low growl at Kotesu, knowing full well what the threat implied.

“Naruto, it’s fine, I’ll sign the contract.” Said Sakura

“But Sakura-chan…you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Said Naruto

“You trusted them didn’t you Naruto…that’s good enough for me.” Said Sakura smiling at the blonde haired boy.

“Well alright then…” said Naruto absentmindedly, absorbed once again into the haze that was her smile.

“Well, now that that’s settled let’s get this signed shall we.” Said Kotesu, struggling to drag the large summoning scroll in front of the two. “There we are…now Naruto you know the drill and Sakura if you’ll just follow suit that will be great.”

Naruto and Sakura did as they were told, drawing their names on the summoning scroll in their blood.

“Well then, glad that’s finished. Now the fun part.” Said Kotesu, two puffs following in swift unison. A White box appearing through the smoke where the summoning scroll had only recently been. “Now, Sakura, that is for you from Natsou, our Matriarch.”

“Natsou…” said Sakura softly, the name warming her chest slightly as she opened the box revealing its contents. The box held something unexpected, clothing. Clothing in fact that matched Naruto’s almost to a T. “Wow…there gorgeous.”

Sakura pulled out the clothes one by one. The first were a pair of full gloves, not fingerless like Naruto’s, which had a pink fox claw emblazoned on top and a red Konoha leaf on the palm. Accompanying the gloves were, shoes matching Naruto’s perfectly, a Black and Pink shirt, and a black Jounin vest with a set of nine tails on the back, all orange. All of them were made of a strange cloth, a cloth Sakura had never felt before except for on the blonde boy to her left.

‘Well, that’s mommy for you…’ came a voice from the back of her head as well as Naruto’s.

‘Hey fox where you been?’ asked Naruto

‘Yes, you usually aren’t this quiet.’ Said Sakura, knowing full well that after Naruto’s…problem…with Kotesu, the fox had been rather vacant.

‘Truthfully, I’ve been expecting this and I just figured my presence wasn’t necessary so I went and took a rest. It’s hard dealing with you too all the time you know, very draining.’ Smirked Kyuubi
‘Very funny…’ growled both hosts, to which Kyuubi smiled, the significance of such an act only apparent to him.

Kotesu was growing annoyed, he wasn’t used to being ignored…it was really starting to get on his nerves, after all he was the one who had to report to the royal family…and it was really a bad idea to keep them waiting.

“Hey Naruto?” said Kotesu, moving forward and scratching Naruto’s side with his claws.

“Huh?” said Naruto, apparently to absorbed to remember the small fox was also in the room. “Oh, Kotesu, what is it?”

“We’re done, but you and Sakura have to come visit the family once Sakura is healthy. It’s not that she needs to approve…but Natsou wants to meet your choice.” Said Kotesu, starring at a now blushing Sakura.

Naruto gulped, he knew what Kotesu meant and of course so did Sakura…after all she wasn’t stupid.

“Alright, we’ll be there…ok Sakura-chan?”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.” Said Sakura, reaching forward and scratching Kotesu behind the ear in just the right spot to make on of his legs jump.

Kotesu groaned moving further into the caress, ignoring the stare from Naruto, jealous as it was.

Kotesu eventually moved away and made what seemed to be a small smile and moved off the bed. He yelped in goodbye and in a puff of smoke disappeared.

Naruto sighed in relief, thanking the gods that it went as smoothly as it had, and finding himself wondering what really would have happened to Sakura if she had actually refused. He had an idea, hence the growl, but it wasn’t if he truly knew the workings of the family.

Naruto’s train of thought however was broken by a constant hole being drilled into the back of his head, courtesy of a pink haired girl. Turning, Naruto paled, the blood running from his face at the look of anger on Sakura’s face.

“So, you got the new clothes in Rock country eh?” glowered Sakura, starring daggers at the blonde ninja to her side.

“Uh…I…I can explain!” stammered Naruto, making to move away from her only to be pulled down to her by his collar.

Sakura’s arms reached up at the falling Naruto, wrapping around his shoulders and neck pulling down to her, forehead to forehead and eye to eye.

“You won’t lie to me again…right?” growled Sakura, a slight sadness present as an undertone.

“No, never again, I swear Sakura-chan…” said Naruto, hurt more by Sakura’s disapproving glare then he’d ever been in his life.

“Good…” smiled Sakura, starring intently into the boys eyes.

Naruto sighed in relief; the disappointment was gone as quickly as it had appeared. Now it was replaced by something akin to the longing that both of them felt. Blue met Green as both held crimson in sway.

“Sakura-chan…” started Naruto, only to be cut of by her fingers, covering his mouth and disabling his ability to speak with their slight touch.

“You don’t have to say anything Naruto…I understand.” Said Sakura, gazing lovingly at him. “I get out in a few, and then you can take me out to dinner…”

Sakura giggled at his look, the feelings of joy that washed over her consciousness from him were incredible, it still surprised her that she had such an effect on him…not to mention drew her all the more.
‘Hopefully the first of many…’ thought Sakura, making sure he heard it, smiling slyly.

Naruto just starred at her, his face changing from one of surprise to one of caring and love. The sight warmed Sakura’s heart and she thanked whatever fate destined her to be able to share his feelings so well…it made this so much easier.

Moving forward, Sakura lightly grazed Naruto’s cheek with her own, nuzzling him with the softness of her skin, causing shudders through the both of them. Naruto’s breath hitched at the action, surprise or awe being the cause but neither being distinguishable from the other. Sakura smiled inwardly, it felt nice to be so close to him, but she wanted to be closer.

Moving still forward Sakura nibbled at the blonde’s ear, licking it lightly as she played with it in between her teeth. Naruto shuddered under her touch, but remained submissive allowing Sakura to have complete control of the situation, much to Sakura’s enjoyment.

Sakura moved from Naruto’s ear down his chiseled jaw line leaving love bits in her wake until finally reaching her prize. She moved her lips lightly over his own, allowing only the minimal contact, enjoying the soft feeling of his lips against her own. Her eyes unconsciously closed, finally allowing what they had both been longing for on all levels.

Her lips crushed into his, her hands coming up quickly along with his pulling his head harder into her own, knowingly causing bruises on both their lips, yet neither cared. It was a release, finally they were closer then was possible before, in each others arms, sharing each others hearts now and sharing each others souls was sure to come later.

‘After all…’ thought Sakura, a gratified smile apparent in her face as they separated, starring at each other ‘He’s mine…and I’m his…”